The previous article outlined some of the very basic concepts of Astrology. The Horoscope Chart is a schematic representation of the position of the planets in the sky, at the time of Birth. The Chart is divided into 12 parts or blocks, representing the 12 Zodiac Signs (also called as the Rashi in Sanskrit). Each block also stands for a House or a Bhava (as referred to in Sanskrit). While Rashis have names starting from Aries to Pisces, the Houses or Bhavas are numbered from 1 to 12.
The Rashi that is rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth becomes the ‘First House’, or the Lagna (also called Ascendant House). Houses get sequentially numbered starting from the Lagna, which forms the 1st House. Each house or bhava represents a certain attribute of an individual and is influenced by the placement of its ruling planet, planets occupying the house or aspecting it from other houses.
Among the 12 Houses, the Quadrants or the Four Pillars take a lot of significance and plays a central role in life’s journey. In Sanskrit, they are named as “Kendra”. The word Kendra also denotes something that is ‘Central’ or that of Focus. Throughout one’s lifetime, we are mostly driven by these 4 houses & we will find that a large majority of our efforts are directed towards achieving our goals related to these four. Hence I like to call them, the Four Pillars. What are these four pillars?
The four Quadrants or Kendra-Sthanas are: 1st, 4th, 7th & the 10th Houses:
Lagna or the 1st House (Tanu Bhava) | 0o to 300 of the Zodiac
Also called as the Ascendant, the first house represents One-self, the physical body, our appearance, attributes. A well placed Lagna lord, will give longevity to the individual and will show a successful life. On the other hand, if the lord is badly placed, it may indicate a shorter life-span, struggles or sickness as the case maybe.
4th House (Sukha Bhava) | 90o to 1200 of the Zodiac
Stands for Peace and Happiness, but also is an indicator of Education, Learning, and one’s Mother. A well placed 4th lord will indicate a learned person, contented, happy and at peace. The Mother is without a doubt, central to the child’s well-being, growth and education.
7th House (Jaya Bhava) | 180o to 2100 of the Zodiac
Stands for one’s spouse & thus forms another key part of our life. The 7th House also stands for Likes & desires, Partners. The 7th house also stands for Death
10th House (Karma Bhava) | 270o to 3000 of the Zodiac
The last of the Pillars, stands for the Karma that we do during our lifetime, and includes our profession, activities, duties and obligations etc. A well placed 10th house and lord will indicate a successful career in one’s life.
Apart from the Quadrants or the four Pillars, the next houses with importance are the Trines (Konas). These are important since these are the blessings & fortunes we have in this life and those that we carry over from our past life. The trines are: 1st House, 5th House and the 9th House
1st House (Tanu Bhava): As we saw earlier the 1st House stands for Self or the physical body. Apart from being a part of the Quadrants, it is also a part of the Trines. Being born as a human being itself is a great blessing.
5th House (Suta Bhava) | 120o to 1500 of the Zodiac
Stands for Intelligence, Fame, Talents and skills, Children. It is also said that this house stands for “Poorva Punya”, or the merits gained from our last life. Our talents, skills, fame etc. that we enjoy in this life are the results of our past lives.
9th House (Dharma Bhava) | 240o to 2700 of the Zodiac
The 9th house stands for Luck, Fortune, Righteousness (or Dharma), Guru (or teacher, father, superiors etc.). The 9th house is a guide and sets the direction of our life. A well placed 9th house and lord will denote a righteous life whereas otherwise it may show a sinful life.
A summary of all the Houses and its attributes are here:
